The United States has increased its use of military facilities in Jordan amid escalating Iranian attacks targeting the country. As criticism grows that the U.S. military presence has drawn Jordan into the conflict, calls for troop withdrawal are also rising.
According to the Wall Street Journal on August 2, Iran has launched at least 60 missiles and drones toward Jordan since the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed on July 8. Jordanian forces intercepted Iranian missiles or drones on eight of the last 14 days.
The Iranian attacks have primarily focused on military facilities housing U.S. troops. On July 17, three U.S. soldiers were killed when a missile struck their accommodation at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan. On July 29, Iran fired four missiles targeting U.S. forces in eastern Jordan. The only port in Jordan, Aqaba, was also attacked.
As the war drags on, the U.S. reliance on Jordan is increasing. With Gulf allies like Kuwait reducing their military roles, Jordan is seen as a country with relatively fewer restrictions for U.S. operations in the Middle East. U.S. military aircraft and air defense units are stationed at facilities in Jordan.
Jordan is a key ally of the U.S., receiving up to $2 billion annually in military and economic aid. However, the perception that military cooperation with the U.S. has made Jordan a target for Iranian attacks is increasing the political burden on the Jordanian government.
Last month, over 300 individuals, including former lawmakers, tribal leaders, and civil society representatives, signed an open letter demanding the withdrawal of U.S. troops. They stated, “Jordan is not a party to the war, yet it bears the security and economic damages resulting from U.S. policies,” and called for the cancellation of the military agreement signed between the two countries in 2021.
The Jordanian government has described the Iranian missile and drone attacks as violations of its sovereignty and pledged to protect its airspace and citizens. However, it has refrained from publicly addressing domestic criticism that military cooperation with the U.S. has provoked Iranian attacks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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